Agricultural Row Unit for Field Cultivation

ABSTRACT

An agricultural row unit assembly employs a pair of tine assemblies and a seedbed cultivator for soil preparation to enhance opportune planting.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority benefits from U.S. provisional patentapplication No. 62/834,000 filed on Apr. 15, 2019, entitled“Agricultural Row Unit for Field Cultivation”. The '000 application ishereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a row unit for preparing afield for planting and more particularly to soil preparation foropportune planting.

In the agricultural industry, seed planting is a key characteristic inharvesting the needed bushels per acre to sustain working farms.Traditionally, the land is either completely tilled for seed planting ornot tilled. With tilling, the ground being cultivated is completelyworked and is less opportune for planting since tilling relies on monthsof time to compress and even out the soil before seed can be planted.With no till, as the term indicates, the ground isn't cultivated priorto seed planting. It has become more common to till rows for seedplanting at a reduce cost of tilling the entire field.

One problem with tilling is relying on nature to consistently preparethe soil from the time the ground is tilled to the time of planting theseed. At the time of seed planting, the level of re-firming and presenceof air pockets varies based on natural occurrences and groundunevenness, and leads to less than desired seed planting soilcharacteristics. With different re-firming levels, there can be airpockets in the soil that are detrimental to seed propagation afterplanting which leads to less than desired growth or evennon-propagation. Air pockets in the soil can inhibit the seed fromgrowing into the optimal plant to be harvested, such as, soybean, wheat,corn, rye, and the like. After seed planting, ground unevenness cancause water runoff providing less than optimal soil moisture for seedpropagation.

Another problem with tilling is the inefficiency of tilling the entirefield instead of tilling a row based on the type of seed being planted.The additional cost of operating additional row units to till portionsof the field not necessarily corresponding to seed planting adds cost,time, and wear to field cultivation equipment.

Yet another problem, no tilling adds additional requirements forplanting seeds. Without tilling, one has additional matter in the soilthat may impair the planting of seeds. In the case of corn planting andharvesting, one encounters stalks in the soil at the time of seedplanting. In this case the row unit has to overcome additional forces toopen up the soil for seed planting. To overcome field debris a tractorneeds higher power capability which impacts cost and wear of componentsto cultivate the field.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Shortcomings of prior row unit assemblies for cultivating a row of soilcan be overcome by a pair of tine assemblies wherein each has at leastone tine mounted to a hub and the hub is adapted to rotate about a firstaxis. Rotation of the pair of tine assemblies fractures soil and forms apair of outer edges of a tilled row. A rolling cultivator adapted totreat soil being ripped and fractured and form a generally flat profileto the tilled row.

In some embodiments, soil preparation for opportune planting involvesusing a row unit assembly wherein at least one row unit has a pair ofrow cleaners, a pre-fracture coulter, a pair of tine assemblies, aseedbed cultivator, a pair of closing coulters, a rolling cultivator,and a pair of gauge wheels. In some embodiments, the at least one rowunit is adapted to mount to a toolbar. In some embodiments, the at leastone row unit forms a tilled row for planting and the at least one rowunit is removable from the toolbar. In some embodiments, at least oneplanter replaces the at least one row unit. In some embodiments, the atleast one planter has a supply of seed adapted to be dispersed belowground level of the soil and generally in the tilled row.

In some embodiments, a row unit assembly for cultivating a row of soilincludes: a pair of tine assemblies each having at least one tinemounted to a hub, the hub adapted to rotate about a first axis, wherebyrotation of the pair of tine assemblies fractures soil and forms a pairof outer edges of a tilled row; a rolling cultivator adapted to treatsoil being ripped and fractured and form a generally flat profile to thetilled row.

In some embodiments, the pair of tine assemblies has a width in therange of 8″ to 12″ (20.3 cm to 30.5 cm). In some embodiments, each ofthe pair of tine assemblies has a predetermined depth in the soil ofless than or equal to 6″ (15.2 cm). In some embodiments, at least onetine has an outer diameter of rotation and defines a horizontal planeparallel to the first axis, and the outer diameter is positioned in therange of 0 degrees to 5 degrees from the horizontal plane. In someembodiments, at least one tine has an outer diameter of rotation andgenerally defines a second vertical plane perpendicular with the firstaxis, and the outer diameter being positioned in the range of 0 degreesto 4 degrees from the second vertical plane.

In some embodiments, at least one tine is a pair of tines and spacingbetween the pair of tines is in the range of 6″ to 12″ (15.2 cm to 30.5cm).

In some embodiments, at least one tine is configured with six tines.

In some embodiments, the rolling cultivator is position centrally with acenter axis, the rolling cultivator forming a pair of spiderconfigurations about the center axis.

In some embodiments, the pair of spider configurations works the soiltowards the center axis of the tilled row.

In some embodiments, the rolling cultivator is set at a depthcorresponding to the planting of seed. In some embodiments, the depthbeing is in the range of 0.5″ to 2.5″ (1.3 cm to 6.4 cm). In someembodiments, the rolling cultivator has a width in the range of 10″ to11″ (25.4 cm to 27.9 cm). In some embodiments, the rolling cultivatorand the first axis have a predetermined length in the range of 39″ to42″ (99 cm to 106.7 cm).

In some embodiments, the row unit assembly includes a pre-fracturecoulter positioned along a center axis and forward of the rollingcultivator.

In some embodiments, the pre-fracture coulter defines a soil fracturepoint and has a pair of row cleaners, the pair of row cleaners eachdefining an outer diameter, and each of the pair of row cleanerspositioned relative to the pre-fracture coulter with the outer diameteradjacent the soil fracture point.

In some embodiments, the row unit assembly includes a pair of closingcoulters each being positioned outwardly of the pair of tine assemblies.In some embodiments, the pair of closing coulters are angled. In someembodiments, the pair of closing coulters is angled in a range of zerodegrees to 5 degrees relative to a center axis. In some embodiments,each of the pair of closing coulters has an outer diameter adjacent tothe hub. In some embodiments, each of the pair of closing coultersmaintains the fractured soil between each of the pair of closingcoulters. In some embodiments, each of the pair of closing coultersdirects the fractured soil towards the center of the row being tilled.

In some embodiments, the rolling cultivator rotates about a shaft and apair of gauge wheels is fastened to each end of the shaft. In someembodiments, the pair of gauge wheels have a diameter in the range of11″ to 12″ (27.9 cm to 30.5 cm).

In some embodiments, the row unit assembly includes a seedbed cultivatoradapted to work through the soil, the tilled row generally defining acenter axis and the seedbed cultivator generally coincident with thecenter axis during cultivation. In some embodiments, the seed seedbedcultivator is a shank. In some embodiments, the seedbed cultivator is adisk. In some embodiments, the seedbed cultivator has a wavy profile.

In some embodiments, a method of soil preparation for opportune plantinginvolves using a row unit assembly including at least one row unithaving a pair of row cleaners, a pre-fracture coulter, a pair of tineassemblies, a seedbed cultivator, a pair of closing coulters, a rollingcultivator, and a pair of gauge wheels, the at least one row unitadapted to being mounted to a toolbar, the at least one row unit forminga tilled row for planting, and the at least one row unit being removablefrom the toolbar.

In some embodiments, at least one planter replaces at least one rowunit. In some embodiments, the planter has a supply of seed adapted tobe dispersed below ground level of the soil and in the tilled row.

In some embodiments, the pair of tine assemblies form outer edges of thetilled row.

In some embodiments, the pair of closing coulters maintain the fracturedsoil between each of the pair of closing coulters.

In some embodiments, the fractured soil transitions toward a center lineof the tilled row.

In some embodiments, the rolling cultivator is adapted to re-firm thesoil of the tilled row.

In some embodiments, the re-firming provides a relative flat profile tothe ground profile.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an agricultural row unit for use with atractor.

FIG. 2 is a side view of an agricultural row unit.

FIG. 3 . is a top view of an agricultural row unit with some componentshidden.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENT(S)

Turning to the drawings and particularly to FIG. 1 , which is aperspective view of row unit assembly 10 for use with toolbar 12 that isattached to tractor 14. As the tractor traverses a field, row unitassembly 10 prepares the field for seed planting. In at least someembodiments, one of the benefits of utilizing row unit assembly 10 isthe ability to quickly transition from cultivating soil forchemical/fertilizer placement, and/or seed planting as compared to othertilling practices.

As shown in FIG. 2 , row unit assembly 10 can include a pair of rowcleaners 16, pre-facture coulter 18, pair of tine assemblies 20, seedbedcultivator 22, pair of closing coulters 24, rolling cultivator 26,and/or a pair of gauge wheels 28. In at least some embodiments, row unitassembly 10 provides fracturing of the soil by utilizing pre-fracturecoulter 18 and the pair of tine assemblies 20 for ripping and or slicinga path of soil for proper seed planting. In addition, in at least someembodiments, row unit assembly 10, provides final preparation of thefractured, sliced, and/or ripped soil by utilizing the pair of closingcoulters 24 and rolling cultivator 26. In at least some embodiments, rowunit assembly 10 allows for cultivation in even the most difficult soil,such as clay, with desired seed planting.

Referring to FIG. 2 , the pair of tine assemblies 20 is shown in oneembodiment for fracturing the soil. In some embodiments, each of thepair of tine assemblies 20 has at least one tine 30 that is adapted tofracture the soil. Fracturing of the soil aids in aerating the soilwhich is can be desired in extreme soil conditions, such as wet and/orclay soil. In some embodiments, at least one tine 30 is mounted to hub32. In some embodiments, hub 32 is mounted to rail member 34 forrigidity. In some embodiments, hub 32 is adapted to rotate about firstaxis 36 (see FIG. 3 ) and it is this rotation that provides rotation ofat least one tine 30 to interact with the soil. In some embodiments,rotation of hub 32 is achieved by movement of row unit assembly 10through the field. In some embodiments, the pair of tine assemblies 20forms a pair outer edges 38 of tilled row 40. In some embodiments, theability to predetermine the pair of outer edges 38 generally optimizesthe tilled row width 42 based on characteristics of the seed beingplanted. In general, the row width is within a range of six to twelveinches corresponding to crops, such as, soybean, wheat, and corn. In atleast some embodiments, it is also beneficial to have at least one tine30 fracture the soil at predetermine depth 44. In at least someembodiments, depth 44 is set based on the level of fracture needed andthe depth of seed planting. Depending on the aggressiveness of soilfracture desired depth is generally less than or equal to six inches. Inat least some embodiments, this range provides desired soil cultivationfor seed planting without over fracturing the soil which in turn canoverwhelm the row unit assembly causing premature wear of components andundesired soil contours for seed planting. In some embodiments, at leastone tine 30 has outer diameter 46 generally centered with first axis 36.In some embodiments, a vertical plane 48 is defined at each of the pairof outer edges 38 of tilled row 40. In some embodiments, duringoperation at least one tine 30 is within a range of zero to four degreeswith vertical plane 48. Typically, at zero degrees at least one tine 30is in a generally parallel orientation with vertical plane 48.

In at least some embodiments, each of the pair of tine assemblies 20 hashorizontal plane 50 defined with first axis 36. In many embodiments,during operation at least one tine 30 is generally within a range ofzero to five degrees with the horizontal plane 50. Orientation of thepair of tine assemblies 20 about vertical plane 48 and horizontal plane,50 adapts row unit assembly 10 to accommodate numerous different soilcharacteristics.

In at least some embodiments, each tine 30 has a centerline 52. In someembodiments involving multiple tines, a spacing between centerline 52 ofone tine 30 and centerline 52 of another tine 30 is generally in therange of ten to twelve inches. As previously described, one tine 30 iscan be used to fracture the soil. In some preferred embodiments, sixtines are used for fracturing the soil.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3 , seedbed cultivator 22 is shown in oneembodiment. In some embodiments, seedbed cultivator 22 works generallyin tandem with the pair of tine assemblies 20 to form opening 54 in thesoil that can be filled back in with tilled soil and ultimately withseed after planting. In some extreme soil conditions, such as wet and/orclay soil, working the soil can lead to smearing of opening 54 which canleave opening 54 to be in less than desired condition for seed planting.In some embodiments, seedbed cultivator 22 can be formed as a shank,disk or have a profile formed therein, such as, a wavy profile.

In some applications, chemical/fertilizer placement may be desired. Insome of these applications, the fertilizer can be applied to the soilthrough an injector, tube or boot that is mounted to the seedbedcultivator.

In at least some embodiments, the ability to adapt row unit assembly 10with the pair of tine assemblies 20 inhibits smearing of opening 54 withfracturing of the soil prior to pulling seedbed cultivator 22 throughthe soil. In some embodiments, tilled row 40 generally defines centeraxis 56. In some embodiments, center axis 56 is located in the center oftilled row 40 and coincident with seedbed cultivator 22 during operationfor seed planting.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3 , rolling cultivator 26 is shown in oneembodiment. In some embodiments, rolling cultivator 26 provides finalpreparation of the soil for seed planting. In some embodiments, the soilthat is fractured and/or ripped with the pair of tine assemblies 20 andseedbed cultivator 22 is directed towards center axis 56 and re-firmingand suppressing air pockets in the soil by rolling cultivator 26.

In some embodiments, the rolling cultivator is used to flatten orslightly crown the cultivated soil for better seeding. In someembodiments, a set of fingers pushes the soil down to a generally flatto slightly crowned profile. In other or the same embodiments, otherconfigurations can be used, such as, baskets, chains, angle iron, or barstock.

In some embodiments, spider configuration 60 consisting of the set offingers can be used. In some embodiments, such as tilling, spiderconfiguration 60 can be configured to move the soil outwardly to avoidclogging of the equipment. Usage with the row unit assembly can adaptrolling cultivator 26 to direct a portion of the soil towards centeraxis 56 to better maintain the soil within the row 40.

Assembly of the rolling cultivator 26 being spider configuration 60includes the set of fingers on one side of center axis 56 adapted tomove soil towards center axis 56 and another set of fingers on the otherside of center axis 56 in mirrored orientation to move soil towardscenter axis 56.

In some embodiments, rolling cultivator 26 is generally set at a depthto maximize soil condition for planting seed. In some embodiments, therolling cultivator depth is generally in the range of one-half to threeinches, based on known seed varieties. Generally, going to a deeperdepth than seed planting depth provides greater resistance as the rowunit assembly is moved through the field. In contrast, going to a lessdepth than seed depth provides less re-firming at the depth of seedplanting causing possible growing disadvantages for the planted seed.

Based on standard field planting, rolling cultivators with a width often to eleven inches can be utilized to move through the field. Thisrange provides needed treatment of the soil for seed propagation withoutthe need to over-till the soil, as with other tilling. With rollingcultivator 26 adapted to provide the finished tilled row, it isimportant to have a set length between rolling cultivator 26 and firstaxis 36. In some embodiments, a range of thirty-nine to forty-two inchesis appropriate for typical seed planting. This range generally providesenough distance for the soil that has been cultivated to be gathered intilled row 40 before utilizing rolling cultivator 26.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3 , pre-fracture coulter 18 is shown in oneembodiment. In some embodiments, pre-fracture coulter 18 is a metalcutting disk that is adapted to cut through debris that are below groundlevel 62. Typical debris can be roots and/or stalks.

In some embodiments, pre-fracture coulter 18 is positioned relative toseedbed cultivator 22 to cut away debris prior to working the soil withseedbed cultivator 22. As such, in some embodiments, the pre-fracturecoulter is positioned along center axis 56 forward of seedbed cultivator22. In operation, the pre-fracture coulter defines soil fracture point68. Soil fracture point is generally the point where pre-fracturecoulter 18 meets ground level 62.

In some applications with extensive debris above ground level 62 thepair of row cleaners 16 can be utilized to remove the debris from tilledrow 40.

The row cleaners can have an outer diameter 70. In an effort to benefitclearing of debris the pair of row cleaners 16 can be positionedrelative to pre-fracture coulter 18. Positioning of the pair of rowcleaners 16 generally corresponds with outer diameter 70 adjacent withsoil fracture point 68. In some embodiments, the pair of row cleaners 16has an angled mounting with center axis 56.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3 , the pair of closing coulters 24 are shownaccording to one embodiment. In some embodiments, the pair of closingcoulters 24 are positioned to aid in maintaining the soil that isfractured and ripped within the row that is tilled. In some embodiments,to enhance maintaining of soil that is fractured by the pair of tineassemblies 20, the pair of closing coulters are positioned generallyoutwardly to aid in retaining soil that can be kicked outwardly duringfracturing of the soil.

In some embodiments, the pair of closing coulters 24 can be angled tobetter enhance movement of soil towards center axis 56 of tilled row 40.In some embodiments, the angle is within five degrees relative to centeraxis 56. In some embodiments, the pair of closing coulters 24 definesouter diameter 72. In at least some embodiments, outer diameter 72 ingenerally adjacent position with hub 32 of the pair of tine assemblies20. In some embodiments, the pair of closing coulters 24 can be formedas a disk or have a profile formed therein, such as, a wavy profile.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3 , the pair of gauge wheels 28 is shownaccording to one embodiment. As discussed previously, in someembodiments, there is a desire to maintain certain depths forfracturing, ripping, and cultivating the soil. One way of maintainingproper depths of components in operation is to set the depths based onsizing of the pair of gauge wheels 28. In some embodiments, the pair ofgauge wheels 28 are mounted on shaft 74 used with rolling cultivator 26.In some embodiments, diameter 76 is chosen such the rolling cultivator26 is placed at a desired depth for forming tilled row 40. In someembodiments, diameter 76 is in the range of eleven to twelve inches.

Referring to FIG. 2 , row unit assembly 10 can be utilized for soilpreparation for opportune planting. In at least some of theseapplications, as row unit assembly 10 is moved through the field, thepair of tine assemblies 20 forms the pair of outer edges 38 thatgenerally corresponds with row width 42. In some embodiments, once thefield has been tilled the row unit assembly can be replaced with aplanter and the field can be tilled and seeded.

While particular elements, embodiments and applications of the presentinvention have been shown and described, it will be understood that theinvention is not limited thereto since modifications can be made bythose skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the presentdisclosure, particularly in light of the foregoing teachings.

What is claimed is:
 1. A row unit assembly for cultivating a row ofsoil, the assembly comprising: a pair of tine assemblies each having atleast one tine mounted to a hub, said hub adapted to rotate about afirst axis, whereby rotation of said pair of tine assemblies fracturessoil and forms a pair of outer edges of a tilled row; a rollingcultivator adapted to treat soil being ripped and fractured and form agenerally flat profile to said tilled row.
 2. The row unit assembly ofclaim 1, wherein said pair of tine assemblies has a width in the rangeof 8″ to 12″.
 3. The row unit assembly of claim 1, wherein each of saidpair of tine assemblies has a predetermined depth in the soil of lessthan or equal to 6″.
 4. The row unit assembly of claim 1, wherein saidat least one tine has an outer diameter of rotation and defines ahorizontal plane parallel to said first axis, and said outer diameter ispositioned in the range of 0 degrees to 5 degrees from said horizontalplane.
 5. The row unit assembly of claim 1, wherein said at least onetine has an outer diameter of rotation and generally defines a secondvertical plane perpendicular with said first axis, and said outerdiameter being positioned in the range of 0 degrees to 4 degrees fromsaid second vertical plane.
 6. The row unit assembly of claim 1, whereinsaid at least one tine is a pair of tines and spacing between the pairof tines is in the range of 6″ to 12″.
 7. The row unit assembly of claim1, wherein said at least one tine is configured with six tines.
 8. Therow unit assembly of claim 1, wherein said rolling cultivator isposition centrally with a center axis, said rolling cultivator forming apair of spider configurations about the center axis.
 9. The row unitassembly of claim 8, wherein said pair of spider configurations worksthe soil towards the center axis of the tilled row.
 10. The row unitassembly of claim 1, wherein said rolling cultivator is set at a depthcorresponding to the planting of seed.
 11. The row unit assembly ofclaim 1, wherein said rolling cultivator has a width in the range of 10″to 11″.
 12. The row unit assembly of claim 1, wherein said rollingcultivator and said first axis have a predetermined length in the rangeof 39″ to 42″.
 13. The row unit assembly of claim 1, further comprisinga pre-fracture coulter positioned along a center axis and forward ofsaid rolling cultivator.
 14. The row unit assembly of claim 1, furthercomprising a pair of closing coulters each being positioned outwardly ofsaid pair of tine assemblies.
 15. The row unit assembly of claim 1,wherein said rolling cultivator rotates about a shaft and a pair ofgauge wheels is fastened to each end of said shaft.
 16. The row unitassembly of claim 1, further comprising a seedbed cultivator adapted towork through the soil, said tilled row generally defining a center axisand said seedbed cultivator generally coincident with said center axisduring cultivation.
 17. The row unit assembly of claim 16, wherein saidseed seedbed cultivator is a shank.
 18. The row unit assembly of claim16, wherein said seedbed cultivator is a disk.
 19. The row unit assemblyof claim 14, wherein said pair of closing coulters are angled.
 20. Therow unit assembly of claim 19, wherein said pair of closing coulters isangled in a range of zero degrees to 5 degrees relative to a centeraxis.